Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have apparently suffered a setback in their pursuit of Lille's Angel Gomes, as another Premier League team is leading the race for his signature.
The England international is one of two high-profile Lille players - alongside in-demand striker Jonathan David - due to become available on a free transfer at the end of the season.
David's preference for a summer transfer has apparently been revealed, and it is good news for both Man United and Tottenham, but the English giants may not be so fortunate on the Gomes front.
According to French outlets Foot Sur 7 and Pierrot Le Foot - via Sport Witness - the team currently at the head of the queue to sign the diminutive midfielder on a free transfer is West Ham United.
Lille are supposedly struggling to make headway in discussions with Gomes's camp over a new contract, and it is looking increasingly likely that he will be leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.
West Ham 'open talks' over Gomes deal
© Imago
As the ex-Man United youth product is already in the final six months of his deal at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, he is free to hold talks with foreign teams, and West Ham have supposedly already entered into discussions with his entourage.
Lille are said to be growing increasingly fearful about the prospect of losing the Englishman for nothing when the season draws to a close, and they have accepted that it will be a 'great difficulty' to keep him at the club this summer.
While West Ham are currently leading the chase, the report stresses that several other sides are keeping close tabs on the situation, and the next few weeks are seen as decisive when it comes to Gomes's next career move.
The 24-year-old joined Les Dogues in 2020 following a 14-year stint at Man United, whom he made 10 senior appearances for, and he spent one season on loan at Boavista before his Lille breakthrough.
Gomes has now registered 10 goals and 19 assists in 134 appearances for Les Dogues in all tournaments, but injuries have restricted him to just 20 matches in all tournaments this season.
The playmaker was a member of England Under-21s triumphant Euros squad in 2023, and he won four caps for the Three Lions under interim head coach Lee Carsley during last year's UEFA Nations League.
Could Gomes fill the Lucas Paqueta void at West Ham?
© Imago
West Ham's supposed interest in Gomes comes at a time where Lucas Paqueta is facing a potential lifetime ban as the hearing into his alleged serious betting breaches begins.
The FA are seeking the most severe punishment for the Brazil international following charges of spot-fixing - which he denies - but Gomes would be an ideal replacement to fill the void if the worst should happen.
The 24-year-old is a versatile player but tends to thrive in the number 10 role, although his physicality - or lack of - may be a concern, as he stands at just 5ft 4in tall.
As Paqueta's hearing prepares to get underway, the Brazilian is due to return from an ankle injury for Monday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at the London Stadium.
Ben Knapton
